Lot Essay
Professor Jaap Bolten, on the basis of a photograph, has kindly confirmed the attribution of the drawing, dating it to circa 1650, and groups it with other drawings of hermits. Professor Bolten will include the present drawing in his forthcoming catalogue of the artist's drawings. Bloemaert executed two major series of drawings representing hermits, both of which were engraved, one in 1612, and the other in 1620/30. Bloemaert was about 85 years old when he drew this sheet. A drawing dated 1650 was sold at Christie's, Amsterdam, 25 November 1992, lot 534, illustrated.